Where to Go Camping in and Around Westchester

0
Adobe Stock/ anatoliy_gleb

From top camping sites in Westchester and beyond to the essentials you need for an overnight outdoors, this guide has it all.

Westchester recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

There are few better ways to slow down, take a deep breath, and connect with family or friends than spending a night camping in the great outdoors. Relaxing amid soothing lakes and hills might sound like a good time, but how do you know where to go or what to bring? Have no fear: We’ve rounded up a convenient camping compendium, including some of the top local camping spots, superior gear, and even a checklist to make sure you have all you need for a fun night in nature’s splendor.

Top Camping Sites

Wondering where to pitch that tent? Try any one of these excellent spots both in and just outside the county.

camping guide
Adobe Stock/ anatoliy_gleb

Within Westchester

Croton Point Park

Situated on a verdant peninsula overlooking the Hudson River, this Croton-on-Hudson park comprises 508 acres of bucolic trails, swimming, camping, and even a ball field. When it comes to spending the night, Croton Point boasts plenty of options, including a deluxe cabin for four or six people, a standard cabin or tent sites, a lodge with recreation hall, and even an RV site with weekly or monthly sewage, water, and electric services. All of these can be rented for varying rates, depending on the time of year.

Courtesy of Westchester County Parks

Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park

An underappreciated North Salem gem, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park is the county’s northernmost park, as well as a top spot for a range of camping adventures. Striped with several miles of trails tucked amid towering hardwoods, the 1,082-acre park also features fishing, hiking, a high/low ropes challenge course, nature exploration, and picnicking in addition to ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing during colder months. Camping options for rent include lean-to sites, yurts, a cabin, and even a mess hall. Of course, you can always just pop a tent and soak in the scenery au naturel.

Courtesy of Westchester County Parks

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

With 4,315 acres of natural grandeur — not to mention the title of Westchester’s largest park — Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a wonderland for those who love the outdoors. Boasting miles of verdant trails, fishing, and abundant areas for picnicking and camping, the Pound Ridge park is also crossed by two rivers with more than a dozen species of native and stocked fish. Ward Pound Ridge visitors can also find a small nature museum and Delaware Indian center called the Trailside Nature Museum, housed in a structure built during the Great Depression. The reservation offers both tent and lean-to camping, with the latter having an eight-person max.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ida Vallo Morris (@idagram13)

Regional Sites

Taconic State Park (Copake Falls)

Take your pick from nearly limitless outdoorsy activities when you steer your clan toward this beloved Columbia County campsite. Located amid more than 5,000 acres of land adjacent to the New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts borders, Taconic State Park’s Copake Falls area offers abundant hiking trails, picnicking, swimming, bicycling, fishing, hunting, and boating at the nearby Rudd Pond, along with snowshoeing and snowmobiling during colder months. When it comes to camping, the options abound, with more than 100 campsites for tents or trailers, including Greenwich cabins, Bash Bish cabins, and Ironworkers’ cabins.

Related: The Best Places to Go Stargazing in Westchester

Catskill State Park (North-South Lake)

Touted as one of the most popular state campgrounds in the Catskill Forest Preserve, North-South Lake draws curious crowds for good reason. Several lakes are located within the campsite’s bounds, which also encompass incredibly scenic hiking trails, a playground, two swimming beaches, two picnic areas, a boat launch, boat rentals, and restrooms with showers. Nearby hikes through a host of towering peaks also offer glimpses of waterfalls, historic sites, and overlooks, making for days of natural fun.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rachel Breidster (@rachelbreidster)

Malouf’s Mountain Campground

Those who crave a bit more adventure than the average bear would do well to check out this private-camping wonderland located in Beacon. To start their adventures, guests can choose a 30-minute, 2.5-hour, or even longer trek into Malouf’s scenic base camp, where intrepid explorers can choose either primitive sites (for those with their own tents and gear) or platform sites (which offer a roof and some elevation, as well as a chow box with a host of cooking equipment). Malouf’s also offers a meal-delivery service dishing up options ranging from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to s’mores — all to be enjoyed in the privacy of your secluded site.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CampWithMe (@flyingsword.zzz)

Camping Essentials Checklist

If you plan to stay outdoors for a night or longer, you might want to make sure you have these absolute essentials on-hand:

Catch a Buzz at These Top Coffee Shops and Cafés in Westchester

0
Adobe Stock/Thongsuk

Need your daily java fix? Here’s where to go for a dark and steamy cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a rich espresso in Westchester.

By Abbe Wichman and Anthony Tornatore, with additional reporting by Katie Cristiano

— The Super Seven —

Our top picks for county caffeination

Coffee Labs Roasters

7 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.332.1497
483 New Rochelle Rd, Eastchester; 914.840.4106

A second location just opened its doors in Eastchester, but at the original spot in Tarrytown, this small, 19-seat coffeehouse is spare in its looks and expansive in its coffee cred. Owner Mike Love says he spends roughly three months of the year traveling around the world, buying coffee. He employs two roasters and prides himself on having exclusive blends. “We came in right at the time of the coffee explosion and pride ourselves as being a third wave coffee shop.”

If there are no seats inside, or in nice weather, customers sit outside on the lone bench or stand on Main Street sipping coffee from farms where Love has strong connections. He calls these “relationship coffees,” noting, “There’s a science to coffee, but it’s very much about the people.” Try one of the CBD-infused drinks or the nitro brew.

First Village Coffee

123 Main St, Ossining; 914.236.3765

There’s a Brooklyn vibe here, with a combination of leather and wood chairs, a colorful tiled floor, and an expansive counter selling house-made baked goods (with a great vegan selection). Luis and Kathryn Corena, the local owners behind this venture, are committed both to the community and to featuring roasters who, as Luis says, “offer transparency and fair and direct trade.” Kathryn notes that it also has to translate to “really delicious coffee.”

Their beans come from companies such as Irving Farm and Red Rooster, and they love “engaging with our customers about the product,” Kathryn says. Two of the most popular drinks are the coffee lemonade and an oat churro cortado, made with oat milk and homemade churro syrup. It’s served with a shot of Pellegrino.

Caffè Ammi Roasting Co.

109 6th St, Pelham; 914.738.2511

As the third generation of his family in the coffee business, Joey Ammirati has coffee running through his veins. He’s taken that passion and opened this lovely space, decorated with black-and-white tiles, tables and chairs, plus a coffee bar where customers can stand and chat with the barista. There’s a nod to the past with old-fashioned espresso makers on shelves and an eye toward the future with the café’s sleek espresso machine.

Ammirati’s passion is roasting (the café also handles wholesale accounts), and his roaster is “one of the, if not the most sustainable and efficient in the world,” he says. Ammirati loves when customers put themselves in the hands of the staff “to have a coffee experience.” He recommends adventurous coffee drinkers try a single-origin espresso or cortado.

Java-nology

Want to consider yourself a coffee connoisseur? Know these terms.

Cortado: A beverage that mixes equal parts espresso and warm, steamed milk, which reduces acidity. A number of Westchester coffeehouse owners say it’s their drink of choice.

Cupping: The art of learning, through aroma and taste, about coffee. Cupping can teach about a roast’s profile or about the process of creating the coffee. A way to develop a palate.

Extraction: The process of drawing flavor from coffee grounds.

Micro Lot: Coffee harvested from a specific plot of land and processed separately to bring out the lot’s unique geographic characteristics.

Adobe Stock | joelworkman
Adobe Stock | joelworkman

Chemex: (Shown above) A one-piece, hourglass-shaped, nonporous, glass coffeemaker, which uses a specially designed filter, so no other flavors come through the coffee.

Pour Over: Grinding beans for a single cup and using a slow-pouring kettle to customize a coffee’s strength by varying the ratio of coffee to water.

Third Wave: The principally American movement started in the 1990s, favoring high-quality coffee, treated as an artisan product.

Fourth Wave: Now underway, as coffeehouses shine a spotlight on the producers that offer direct-trade, fair-trade, and organic coffee.

Mimi’s Coffee House

37 S Moger Ave, Mt. Kisco; 914.864.1646

A java staple in Mount Kisco, the warmth of owner Selamawit (“Mimi”) Wieland-Tesfaye’s personality comes through in this welcoming, rustic space. A reclaimed-wood counter, rattan pillows on chairs, and art from Ethiopia — representing Wieland-Tesfaye’s heritage — give this café a feeling of tranquility.

“People said I was brave for opening so close to a Starbucks, but I always wanted a comfortable and cozy place like this,” says Wieland-Tesfaye, who supports other locally owned women’s businesses by selling their baked goods at Mimi’s. She wants to educate customers on the various coffees served here and introduce them to some new ones. Try the Ethiopian pour over or a Prana chai drink. Not only can you get a cup of joe, but you can also enjoy some delectable soups and salads.

The Peekskill Coffee House

101 South Division St, Peekskill; 914.739.1287

A bright-red counter, Formica tables with mismatched chairs, and a tin ceiling are among the myriad charming touches you’ll find in this sprawling, multiroom space. Owner Sunny Cover says the coffeehouse has served Peekskill’s changing community: “We’ve been here since 2003 and are a part of this town’s history.” As the town has evolved, so has the coffee culture and the menu here.

Since 2019, the Peekskill Coffee House began roasting its own coffees (which are available here) to go with some of the delicious crepes and panini on offer. Cover is always looking to “bring in relevant products,” so she’s even added “super-food” lattes without caffeine. And when it comes to coffee, Cover looks to tell customers the story behind what they’re drinking. “People lose sight of how many hands it really takes to make one cup of coffee,” she notes.

(*Currently under renovation. Operating out of food truck (same location): Peekskill Coffee Side Show)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peekskill Coffee (@peekskillcoffee)

The Black Cow Coffee Company

4 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.271.7544
7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville; 914.495.3153

In owner Michael Grant’s words, a “homespun vibe” is what you’ll find at both locations. The (original) Croton spot is the larger of the two — yet both have mismatched furniture, plenty of black-cow-themed merchandise, and a large coffee menu. “My wife and I wanted to create a place where when you enter, you feel a little calmer. There’s always good music playing, and we encourage customers to make a little time for themselves to sit with their drinks,” Grant says.

The Croton location has a roaster as its centerpiece, and the coffee hails from Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the U.S. But don’t be fooled by Grant’s whimsical product names: He is dead serious about his coffee. “In the culture of coffee, there’s a science to a good cup,” he says. Try either the Black Cow (espresso and steamed chocolate milk with whipped cream) or Cow Whip (espresso chocolate milk blend with ice).

Slave to the Grind

58 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.961.7777

Slave to the Grind is a combination of “cozy and a little bit kitschy,” according to owner Carol Marshall. This coffeehouse can be considered the mother of the independents that followed. As befits being in a “college town” (Concordia College and Sarah Lawrence are nearby), Slave to the Grind is nothing fancy but definitely welcoming. Customer-donated magnets from all over the world decorate the walls, as does a mural of a tree thanking patrons for their business.

Coffee beans are sold from dispensers in the front of the store. Marshall says, “I’ve always loved that coffee represents hospitality in so many cultures.” The bestsellers here are flavored iced coffees, such as banana cream pie and oatmeal cookie, and the Brain Freeze, a frozen espresso drink.

New and/or Noteworthy

Bougie Brews

52 Main St, Yonkers; 914.410.4439

Relatively new to downtown Yonkers, this artisan coffee shop made a name for itself even among the chaos of the pandemic. There is a variety of breakfast, lunch, and snack options to choose from, such as banana bread and marble loaf cake, sandwiches and soups, grilled cheese and quesadillas. And don’t forget about the specialty coffees and teas, like the affogato, cortado, or cold brew, and the matcha, chai, or peach iced tea. Delish!

*Temporarily closed for renovations

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bougie Brews (@bougiebrewsyonkers)

BreadsNBakes

73 Westchester Ave (Scotts Corners), Pound Ridge; 914.488.6855

Located in the center of Scotts Corners, this delightful café has a little something for everyone. Thursday through Sunday service means that trips to this shop are a special treat of the week and ensures a steady in-and-out flow of devoted patrons. From delicious jam-filled donuts and crisp, buttery croissants to freshly baked loaves of bread and frosted cinnamon buns, every item is made with precision and care, and is provided with the friendliest service. Pair your pastry with a hot cappuccino or an iced mocha latte, and you’ll be ready to start your day.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Breads N Bakes (@breadsnbakes)

G.E. Brown Fine Foods & Provisions

652 Old Post Rd, Bedford; 914.234.3185

This Fine Foods eatery is a great stop-and-go place for a quick pick-me-up during the day. Grab a prepared meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a nice snack (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available), and a coffee or tea of your choosing at this shop. At the counter, you can pick from beautiful pastries or sandwiches to go with your macchiato, latte, or iced coffee. G.E. also offers provisions for the home and unique gifts for any occasion.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by G.E. Brown (@g.e.brown)

Katonah Reading Room

19 Edgemont Rd, Katonah; 914.334.8019

What goes better with a great book than a hot beverage and a sweet treat? This coffee shop/bookstore is perfectly stocked with splendid new reads and a lovely café and perfectly located right across from the Metro-North train station and minutes off Route 684. Freshly brewed coffee and barista drinks are served with ice cream or candy, special salads or avocado toast, and pastries like croissants and scones. On top of the varied genres offered, from children’s literature to creative nonfiction, the Reading Room also boasts a multitude of professional art supplies, little gifts for all, and toys or games for a fun time.

Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co.

6 Purdy St, Harrison; 914.688.6848

This idyllic coffee shop is a 2023 Best of Westchester winner for Westchester’s Premier Specialty Coffee and Tea Shop. They pride themselves on sourcing organic, fair trade coffee and tea and working exclusively with local dairy owners and bakeries to supply fresh baked goods and ingredients. The large outdoor patio offers a great space to sit back, sip coffee, and enjoy the sun, but it’s not to be outshone by the comfy indoor seating with free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets to go around. This Harrison establishment serves hot and cold drinks, including matcha, americanos, cold brews, and fresh iced teas, as well as sweet and savory bites (with gluten-free and vegan options) like muffins, Danishes, cookies, and croissants.

The Pamplemousse Project

124 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.829.4736

“Coffee for the Community” isn’t just a slogan for this White Plains-based specialty coffee shop. On top of providing ethically sourced coffee and hand-crafted drinks, the Pamplemousse Project commits 100% of its profits to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Try the specialty roast for a classic coffee experience or a caramel macchiato for a little more flavor. Partner your iced or hot drink with a cinnamon roll, yogurt parfait, or breakfast burrito to complete your café trip.

Related: Coffee Labs Roasters Celebrates 20 Years in Tarrytown

How to Host a Savvy Summer Soiree, According to Westchester Pros

These tips will help you host your perfect summer gathering. Adobe Stock / mashiki

Local style and entertaining experts share their favorite tips for summer get-togethers and parties that will wow your guests.

Planning to host a few more summer get-togethers before the season winds down? To ensure your party comes together easily and effortlessly, look to these tips from design pros around Westchester County. They cover everything from setting the space to serving up dessert, which means you’ll be ready to roll by the time your first guests arrive.

“Make your outdoor space feel warm and inviting. Set your table using vibrant placemats. Fill the center of the table with small cactus plants in concrete planters along with candles. Make a large, cold pitcher of water filled with citrus and mint and always serve your rosé chilled.”

Wendy Strauss, Strauss House Designs, LLC, Chappaqua

“Set a practical table using melamine plates and glasses. There are so many options with great patterns and colors, they make for a lovely and fun table. Plus, they are no-brainers when you have kids on the guest list.”

—Nancy Davilman, ND Interiors, Larchmont

“Go big on dessert time! Have pie, ice cream, and bowls of mixed berries. Buy your shortcake, biscuits, lemon tart, or fruit pie, to make it easier for yourself. Keep it all seasonal and hyper-local.”

—Ned Kelly, Ned Kelly & Company, Piermont

Related: Peek Inside This Perfect Forever Home in Pelham

“Move tables outside and transform your backyard with lighting — lots of votive candles, strings of tiny LED lights on the table, hanging twinkle lights in the yard or on the porch. Then add real linens for the table setting. Don’t wait for that special occasion as every day is special!”

—Kim A. Mitchell, KAM Design, Larchmont

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KAM DESIGN (@kim_a_mitchell)

Related: R New York Brings Innovative Real Estate to Westchester

6 Standout Restaurants for Hibachi in Westchester

0
Looking for hibachi restaurants in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. Adobe Stock | shealla

Love the guaranteed sizzle of a meal at a hibachi restaurant? Here’s where to go for a live-action dinner experience in Westchester.

By Katie Cristiano, Dylan Rubinstein, and Anthony Tornatore

When it comes to a showstopper of a meal, it’s hard to go wrong with hibachi. Not only does the food hit all the right notes, but the show that often goes along with it is a worthwhile experience in itself. Check out these hibachi restaurants in Westchester for top dining in the county.

Banzai Hibachi

95 S Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.997.7888

Entertainment is the name of the game at Banzai Hibachi, with chefs who guarantee a show. Not only can you get a delicious hibachi meal, but you can also chow down on fresh sushi and sashimi. A full sports bar and lounge with HD TVs streams the biggest games throughout the year.

Little Buddha

251 Market St, Yonkers; 914.358.9468

Known for its delicious hibachi, this Japanese restaurant doubles as a sushi restaurant in Westchester. The Yonkers eatery also offers a plethora of specials for lunch, making it ideal for a midweek treat. Go for the chicken hibachi lunch special, which comes with clear soup, a salad, one piece of shrimp appetizer, vegetables, and noodles. You can also get the sushi bar lunch special, which varies depending on the roll ordered.

Nikko Hibachi Sushi Lounge

240 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown; 914.333.1000

Nikko Hibachi Sushi Lounge offers a wide array of Japanese delicacies, such as shrimp tempura, hibachi steak, avocado roll, and chicken yaki soba. Go big with hibachi filet mignon with lobster tail or check out the lounge’s special weekday happy hour menu where $10 gets you a beer and a classic sushi roll.

Osaka Hibachi and Sushi

134 Wildey St, Tarrytown; 914.631.8888

With high marks for quality and a reputation as one of Westchester’s top hibachi spots, Osaka is worth a trip from near or far. The all-you-can-eat prix-fixe menu includes hibachi, sushi, and an array of classic Japanese dishes. Can’t decide what to get? Pair your hibachi dinner with Osaka’s signature Out of Control roll, a spicy tuna roll topped with eel and avocado. We promise you won’t leave hungry.

Top Hibachi

80 Route 6, Baldwin Place; 914.628.8899

Top Hibachi will wow you before the menu hits the table. The Westchester bar and lounge boast club-like décor, including full-service couch tables, neon lights, and today’s hit music. Come nighttime, the lights go out and the music turns up. Hibachi plates include rice and noodles (no choosing here), as well as vegetables and complimentary hibachi shrimp. Dare to order an appetizer? Go for the homemade pork dumplings glazed in balsamic vinegar sauce and paired with shiitake mushrooms.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by A Pizza Our Heart (@pizzaourheart)

Sushi Palace

2223 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.268.0888

Sushi Palace is known for its all-you-can-eat sushi for one price. What a lot of people don’t know is that it also has a hibachi station at which you can pick whatever you want to eat. And the best thing is it’s all included in the same one price. Choose from noodles, rice, steak, chicken, vegetables, and eggs to have them cooked right in front of you in a flash.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sushi Palace (@sushipalace_yonkers)

Border Bonus

Mannen

15 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield; 203.438.8727

Part sushi eatery, part hibachi grill, this Ridgefield establishment excels in both staples of Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Mannen delivers great service and exciting presentation, with plenty of onion volcanoes. Whether it’s rolls, dumplings, and noodles or sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi, Mannen presents a spectacular, tasty meal for all to enjoy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Good Eats/Drinks (@ct.lets_eat)

Kashi 

131 Summer St, Stamford; 203.890.9995

Worth crossing the border for, this restaurant is illuminated with neon-blue lighting, buzzing with patrons at the sake bar, and furnished comfortably and tastefully. If you’re craving hibachi, but don’t have time to stay for a whole production, this establishment is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Savor a chicken or steak hibachi for under $32 and complete the meal with the green tea mille crepe, which involves more than twenty layers of mille crepe enveloping the lightest pastry cream, powdered with matcha and topped with ice cream and fresh fruit.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kashi Japanese NY (@kashiny)

Related: 10 Can’t-Miss Happy Hours in Westchester County

Where to Eat the Most Delicious Fish Tacos in Westchester

0
AdobeStock/Teri

Stop fishing for the best seafood taco joints in Westchester — we’ve got you covered with eight spots of our absolute faves.

With additional reporting by Gabrielle Beechert and Jillian Myers

Fish tacos are the quintessential summer food and, if you know where to look, you can reel in so much more than just battered fish and tartar sauce. We compiled a list of drool-worthy fish tacos that thrive on menus because of their inventive combinations. So, stop fishing for the top fish taco joints in Westchester — we’ve got you covered.

bartaco

1 Willet Ave, Port Chester; 914.937.8226

There are a lot of tacos to choose from at this hopping harborside hotspot, and the four fish-filled picks never disappoint. Think: spicy tempura-battered cod with chipotle slaw, cilantro, and onion; chilled ancho-crusted tuna, Asian slaw, Thai basil vinaigrette, soy glaze, and sesame seeds; chili-lime shrimp (oh my!); and a duo of crispy fried oysters over remoulade. Classic corn tortillas hug the offerings, or go super light with a Bibb lettuce shell (our pick).

Pro tip: From now until Labor Day, whisper #bartacosecret to your server and find yourself diving face first into a taco of luxuriously tender lobster and hominy poached in lemon brown butter; a steal at just $6.95 (you’re welcome).

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by bartaco (@bartacolife)

Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar

166 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.461.3959

Cantina is known for using locally sourced, in-season ingredients, so enjoy a fresh bite of the Modelo beer-battered fish, served with pico, chipotle mayo, and shredded red cabbage. But, the real showstopper — and the best-selling dish on the menu — is the rock shrimp taco. It’s served with grilled or battered shrimp, pickled red onion, and house-made cilantro mayo on a flour tortilla.

LALA Taqueria

150 Larchmont Ave, Larchmont; 914.834.2244

If you know you know, and be sure you know about these specialty tacos even though they might not appear on the menu. The grilled Spanish octopus one with pickled onion, avocado, and guajillo oil is a must, as is the shrimp varietal with bacon, pineapple, and a tamarind glaze — it’s bacon us hungry. When these specials are not available, the Baja fish taco with mahi mahi, habanero mayo, and avocado sauce is a solid fallback.

PopoJito

46 Christie Pl, Scarsdale; 914.713.8946

For a classic coastal flood in a tortilla, check out the crispy calamari topped with the house chipotle aioli or the mahi mahi with avocado crema and mango pineapple pico (say that three times fast, if at all). For a zippy marine delight, the cilantro and garlic shrimp won’t disappoint. And, did we mention all tacos are gluten-free?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PopoJito (@popojito)

Rio Bravo Tacos & Tequila

296 Columbus Ave, Tuckahoe; 914.361.1515

Four fish tacos flood the menu at this always bustling fave for margs and elevated Mexican standards, including two tilapia-based tempters. One comes dipped in Dos Equis tempura with dill crema and the other served blackened with poblano crema and roasted Mediterraneo salsa. A cheese-lovers tortilla plays host to melted Jack, caramelized onions, and fried calamari on top, while the piece de resistance is bacon-wrapped shrimp with caramelized onions, mixed cabbage, pico de gallo, roasted chipotle, and melted Jack.

The Taco Project

18 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.909.4455
65 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.356.8226
1086 N Broadway, Yonkers; 914.375.4000
465 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville; 914.422.8111

As the name suggests, there’s a staggering number of tacos and burritos to choose from, and three are stuffed with seafood. The Cajun salmon packs a zippy punch with house-made wasabi slaw, chipotle aioli, and fresh cilantro, while the tempura-battered shrimp comes sweet and spicy with mouth-watering mango salsa and tomatillo sauce. Choose sautéed or battered for the Atlantic cod taco that’s topped with red cabbage slaw, guaca salsa, cilantro, and crunchy fresh radish.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Taco Project (@tacoproject)

Tipsy Taco Bar

487 E. Main St, Mt. Kisco; 914.218.3460

You’ll find four variations of fish tacos here, but the two standouts are crispy and salty cornmeal-crusted Blue Point oysters paired with a homemade relish and chipotle aioli and wild salmon tartare marinated in sesame ginger and tucked into a hard-shell organic corn tortilla for that extra crunch.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tipsy Taco Bar (@tipsytacobarmk)

Westchester Taco Grill

712 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.278.9865

Bursting with authentic Asian flavor, the Kung Pao shrimp taco features breaded shrimp tossed in an Asian sweet and sour sauce with lettuce and black sesame seeds on top.

Related: Make This Pickled Summer Cole Slaw to Amp up Your Barbecue

How to Grow a Garden During Hot Summer and Fall Months in Westchester

Learn how to grow a garden during hot months. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova

Landscape and garden design pro Valerio Morano Sagliocco shares his tips for creating a stunning garden even in the hot months of summer and fall.

With over 16 years growing his family landscaping-and-garden-design business, Valerio Morano Sagliocco knows gardens. Who better to turn to about plants that will survive the summer heat and what to plant for the fall?

“Summer months come with heat, lack of rain, and most plants do not like that,” says Sagliocco. “Plants that require a lot of water should be curbed from the garden. Excessive watering to keep up with the heat of summer can be costly, time consuming, and overall water should be conserved at all costs and used only when necessary.”

He suggests planting the right plants early, that will last. “Around Mother’s Day through Memorial Day and early June is the peak time to plant summer-loving annuals,” says Sagliocco. “You plant a season in advance. You’re not going to go shopping for summer clothes in August, you’re going to be thinking about fall and winter.”

To gear up for next summer, some of his favorite plants that produce in the hotter months include colorful and beautiful annuals like lantana, cosmos, marigolds, verbena. For perennials, he likes succulents like sedum but also salvia and echinacea, Russian sage, and Agastache.

Echinacea
Echinacea. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova

He adds it’s nice to have an 80/20 ratio of perennials and annuals as the low layer of the plant bed.

“Annuals provide the best color as they stretch from Mother’s Day until approximately Thanksgiving and give a consistent and plentiful show,” he says.

If you have plants that have come and gone throughout the summer, what should you do to keep your garden growing? To keep blooms popping Sagliocco prefers perennials over annuals. “Once their bloom cycle has passed, you can just cut them back and they are ready to either flush out a new bloom for the season or they conserve their bloom for the following year, and you only have to pay once for a plant,” he says. “Unlike annuals, once they are done blooming, they become organic waste and you have to purchase new annuals every year.”

Marigolds
Marigolds. Adobe Stock / TSL Photography

He adds there are pros and cons to every plant no matter what time of year you are planning for. “There is no perfect plant, you just need to weigh them out to make sense for your garden.”

Moving into the fall, he says the season is synonymous with chrysanthemums. “It is a perennial which is most commonly used as an annual because of its short bloom life,” says Sagliocco. “It has the most full and glorious bloom showing its beautiful fall colors, but it does have a short bloom life of a few weeks.”

“Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.”
—Valerio Morano Sagliocco

He also suggests planting any of the following for the fall:

  • Callicarpa — “An American beauty berry, [this] is one of my favorites, and has beautiful purple berries that look like flowers.”
  • Hydrangea quercifolia — This oakleaf hydrangea has a great reddish leaf color.
  • Witch hazel — “It has the most interesting tricolor autumn leaf: orange, red, and yellow.”

No matter what you plant and whether it’s for the summer or fall, his biggest tip is to “plan ahead and start off on the right foot.”

“Put plants that require sun in sunny areas, and those that require shade in the shady areas,” he says. “Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.”

Related: The Morano Group Creates a Family Legacy in Landscaping and Design

These Prime Day Deals Are Perfect for Shoppers in Westchester

Adobe Stock/ New Africa

Celebrate Prime Day with the lowest prices and fastest shipping on these Westchester essentials from July 11-12.

Westchester recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Nowadays, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t an Amazon Prime Member. To celebrate those members, Amazon introduced Prime Day, a two-day celebration filled with extreme sales. This year on July 11 and 12, you can scope out exclusive deals on thousands of items and have them delivered to your door in two days. Happy shopping!

Health and Wellness

Breville Juice Fountain: Although there are plenty of tasty juice bars around Westchester, it’s a rewarding feeling to sip on a juice you made at home. This Prime Day, enjoy 30% off the Breville Juice Fountain Plus, an ideal first juicer. The juicer is made of stainless steel, allows for the whole fruit or vegetables, cuts down on prep time, and has a built-in froth separator.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Breville USA (@breville)

Apple AirPods: Whether you haven’t upgraded your headphones to a wireless pair or you (something) misplaced that left AirPod, here’s your chance to score a pair on sale. The second-generation wireless earbuds come with a lightning charging case, providing the pods with over 24 hours of battery life.

Home

Instant Pot Vortex: Over the years, air fryers have become a kitchen staple in Westchester households. And why wouldn’t they? Air fryers allow for simple versatility in the kitchen. This sleek Instant Pot Vortex is a 6-in-1 air fryer oven with customizable smart cooking programs and a nonstick and dishwasher-safe basket. If all of that seems overwhelming and you’re unsure what to cook, it comes with an app that has over 1,900 recipes for you to pick from!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Instant Pot® (@instantpotofficial)

Blink Video Doorbell: The Blink Video Doorbell allows you to answer your door no matter where you are. It works with Alexa and can be battery-operated or wired, which means it’s a great pick for an Westchester household.

Outdoors

YETI: No matter the outdoor occasion, having a YETI cup always comes in handy. This Prime Day, YETI is offering tumblers, colster can insulators, and a wine tumbler. The tumblers and mug are dishwasher-safe, vacuum-insulated, and keep your beverage cold or hot for hours. Now you won’t have to worry about drinking warm water after a long hike. YETI ensures a refreshing sip with every adventure.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by YETI (@yeti)

Portable Speaker: Whether you’re jamming out at the beach or simply chilling in your backyard, there’s nothing like a little music to set the scene. This portable speaker from Sony is durable and waterproof, has over 16,000 reviews on Amazon, and is on sale for more than 40% off for Prime Day. Plus, did we mention it comes in a number of colors? We think the Powder Blue one would match with your poolside aesthetic perfectly.

Related: Carrier Logistics Celebrates 50 Years of Shipping in Elmsford

Where to Get Bubble Tea and Boba Drinks in Westchester

Adobe Stock/ fahrwasser

Here are our favorite places to find sweet bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl-milk tea, in Westchester County.

With additional reporting by Molly Reinmann

Bubble tea is the international drink phenomenon originating from Taichung, Taiwan. The “pearls” — called zhenzhu, if on the smaller side, and boba, if a bit larger — are traditionally made from brown sugar and tapioca, providing a bouncy, chewy surprise amid a delicious blend of milk, sugar, and tea. The drink first debuted in the 1980s using black tea, but nowadays can be found in a variety of flavors.

5Spice Tea House

11A S Moger Ave, Mount Kisco; 914.666.8882

5Spice Tea House serves a decadent and frothy bubble tea in the traditional Taiwanese style. (The “bubbles” in bubble tea originally referred to air bubbles from shaking, not the tapioca pearls.) The boba is made every few hours, comprised of tapioca, brown sugar, and honey.  Along with a solid milk tea with boba, 5Spice also provides an extensive list of floral and fruit teas

Go Greenly

1 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry; 914.231.6161
1109 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale; 914.713.8693

Go Greenly has a long list of bubble teas, including unique flavors such as mocha mint, almond, cookies ’n cream, and honeydew. In addition to the traditional tapioca pearls, it also offers strawberry and rainbow jelly and strawberry, mango, or lychee juice poppers. Feeling adventurous? Add some tapioca onto your frozen yogurt for a unique treat!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by gogreenlyNYC (@gogreenlynyc)

Hapag Filipino Cuisine

Highbridge Plaza, 1787 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.652.7773

Along with tasty Filipino food and an Insta-worthy halo-halo, Hapag also serves bubble tea, including jasmine and the original black milk tea (matcha, too). Those who prefer coffee may want to try the cappuccino variety. Taro, a purple tropical root, is a popular choice.

Korean BBQ Grill

496 Main St, New Rochelle; 914.999.4242

Korean BBQ has interesting flavors to add to Westchester’s bubble tea scene. In addition to classics like milky black, green, and Thai iced tea, there’s also guava, pomegranate, and traditional, zesty, Korean citron tea, also called yuja-cha.

Pick Up Bubble Tea

18 S Moger Ave, Mount Kisco; 914.218.3237

When you need a sweet pick-me-up, consider yourself covered. Custom craft your perfect tea from the base, flavor, toppings, and even the sweetness level. With non-dairy options, sea salt foam, and even aloe vera cubes, there is truly an option for everyone.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PICK UP Bubble Tea (@pickupbubbletea)

Noodle+

245 Main St, Ste 110, White Plains; 914.948.4950

Noodle+ is a small oasis of bobaoffering the pearls in milk teas, flavored teas, and brewed teas. Patrons can also swap out boba for coffee, lychee, mango, or green tea jellies.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Noodle+ (@noodleplus)

Tous Les Jours

371 N Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.358.4130

As if the breadth of offerings at H Mart weren’t enough, Tous Les Jours, located within, sends the sweetness meter through the roof. It offers an eye-popping assortment of colorful cakes, pastries, macarons, and also bubble tea, the latter which is available in creamy, fruity, and flavored black/green tea.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boba Girls ✌ (@bobagirlsnj)

YUM Ice Cream & Bubble Tea

8 Anderson St, New Rochelle; 914.740.3770

YUM Ice Cream & Bubble Tea has both milk tea and dairy-free options, as well as different jellies and popping pearls to sub for boba. The shop also serves a coveted matcha green tea, as well as the less common coffee latte bubble milk tea.

Related: The Must-Read Foodie News From Westchester’s Dining Scene in July

Bonus:

Flour & Sun Bakery

19 Washington Ave, Pleasantville; 914.495.3232

For the boba lovers, we just found your new favorite dessert. At Flour & Sun Bakery, take your obsession to the next level by special ordering the one-of-a-kind bubble tea cake pops. Make sure to wash this unique dessert down with a boba-filled drink to get the full experience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Flour & Sun Bakery (@flourandsun)

Where to Go for the Hautest Hot Dogs in Westchester

0
Adobe Stock / Stepanek Photography

In the mood for a frank? Whether you like ’em classic with ketchup or loaded with all the fixings, you’ll find the perfect dog at these spots.

By Duke Ratliff with additional reporting by El J Ayala and Zach Gibbs

In the same way that Westchester gourmands know that they’re a short drive from the finest, most upscale meal, hot dog lovers — and there are plenty out there — have their favorite local spots for doggy dining. Just in time for the Fourth of July, here are some of our favorite franks.

The Dog Den

1 Main St, White Plains; 914.328.3288

It’s been five years since Dennis Rubich converted the former historic bus depot in White Plains into a hot dog haven, and local frankfurter connoisseurs have celebrated ever since. Dubbing itself “home of fun on a bun,” The Dog Den features a super-creative mix of specialty dogs including The Swissy Shroom, with cheese and mushrooms, and the Bill Murray, a modernized Chicago-style dog. And if you’re taller than Rubich (he’s seven foot one), you’ll eat for free.

Dog Haus

3137 E Main St, Mohegan Lake; 845.915.4287

Dog Haus is iconic for Hawaiian roll buns, which give a hint of sweetness to the savory dogs. Try the staple Haus Dogs such as the Downtown, a smoked bacon dog topped with caramelized onions, pickled peppers, mayo, mustard, and ketchup. Or take a swing at the Chili Idol for a different type of zing, which consists of the Haus chili, cheddar cheese sauce, and onions. Dog Haus even has vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mohegan Lake (@doghaus_moheganlake)

Dougie’s Standby

604 N Main St, Port Chester; 914.939.0022

Port Chester locals know that Dougie’s Standby is the place for hot dogs with homemade chili. While every day is hot dog day at Dougie’s Standby, Wednesday is extra special with a twofer: Buy one hot dog, get one hot dog free. The luncheonette also serves up breakfast, burgers, steak wedges, and grilled chicken.

Epstein’s of Hartsdale

387 N Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.428.5320

Epstein’s has been cooking and serving its family recipes since 1969, and its hot dog is a great way to be part of its no-frills history. It’s a Hebrew National, and it comes with sauerkraut, relish, or coleslaw. More open-minded gourmands can try the Pita Dog, with two hot dogs, plus mustard and pickles. Instead of chips, go for the knish (never pass on a knish from a Kosher deli, just sayin’).

Walter’s Hot Dogs

937 Palmer Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.500.5029
186 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.397.9406

Walter’s Hot Dogs is a Westchester institution for good reason: Its history goes all the way back to 1919, its stand in Mamaroneck is a national historic landmark, and the dogs are made from an exclusive blend of beef, pork, and veal. They’re split down the middle, grilled in a secret sauce, served on a toasted bun with signature mustard, and, with one bite, they’ll make you forget all about those DWDs (dirty water dogs) of NYC.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Walter’s Hot Dogs (@waltershotdogs)

Related: Where to Get the Hottest Frozen Hot Chocolate in Westchester

This Indoor/Outdoor Entertaining Space in Armonk Is Ideal

Photos by Stefan Radtke

The team behind this Armonk project created the ultimate indoor/outdoor entertaining space in Westchester County.

Part of a larger home expansion and renovation, the homeowners of this Armonk house wanted to create the ultimate entertainment space in their backyard. Although the 40’ × 20’ pool was already there, living in the home for several years informed the owners of exactly what they wanted to add.

The family like to entertain, and they love to cook, so it was essential to have areas to accommodate large and small gatherings, an outdoor kitchen, and indoor/outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly into one another. “Our work at the terrace level focused on creating new indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces, including a full kitchen,” says Scott Hirshson, AIA of Hirshson Architecture + Design. “Above, we expanded the kitchen, created a new great room with a wall of glass overlooking the pool, a new deck, and a stair connecting the multiple levels.”

Poolside

On the first floor, an indoor/outdoor living room was created with a wood-burning fireplace, screens that retract into the ceiling, heaters to supplement comfort during cooler evenings, and plenty of room for relaxing and eating.

And what better way to fully entertain than with an outdoor kitchen with multiple seating areas? “The outdoor kitchen was designed for multiple chefs, as the family of five love to cook and entertain,” says Hirshson. “The client had a clear vision of family and friends sitting at the counter while he cooks looking at the pool.”

Hirshson says that when designing an outdoor kitchen, it is imperative to use cabinets with weather sealing. “[They] make a tremendous difference for the storage of towels, sunscreens, beverages, and pool toys,” says Hirshson. “The custom cabinets in our kitchen are set up on stainless-steel feet. This enables the homeowner to easily hose down the patio should one need to clean after entertaining.”

A large table provides ample seating for a sit-down dinner, while a sectional sofa centers on the fireplace with a TV above. Café tables lining the pool are perfect for parents to enjoy a drink or for the kids hopping out of the pool. “This has a more casual feel compared to the formal table set under the covered patio, and seating for 12 easily accommodates their family with room for guests,” says Hirshson.

A full outdoor kitchen looks out at the pool and lounge area so the chef and guests can interact seamlessly.
A full outdoor kitchen looks out at the pool and lounge area so the chef and guests can interact seamlessly.

For the patio itself, porcelain and stone paving was used. “Thermal bluestone makes for a beautiful pool coping, but many new porcelain products offer a nice balance of color and heat reflectivity, making them comfortable on the hottest summer days,” he says.

One of the top concerns for the homeowners during this project was how to make the lower level feel like an extension of the style and finishes of the main living space. “We achieved this through the detailing of the steps and the railing connecting the upper deck to the outdoor kitchen below,” says Hirshson. “Concealed lighting, wire rails, wood caps, shiplap, and stacked stone speak to the juxtaposition of modern and traditional architectural details.”

Summer style at its finest.

“The outdoor kitchen was designed for multiple chefs, as the family of five love to cook and entertain.”
—Scott Hirshson

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Our Best of Westchester Elimination Ballot is open through March 6!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.